Johannesburg - Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant has appealed to employers to give workers time off so that they can vote on Wenesday.
Although not common, in the past there have been incidents especially on farms where workers have not been allowed to cast their ballots.
“We urge all employers to allow their employees to exercise their right to vote as citizens our country. The right to vote is a foundation for any democracy,” Oliphant said in a statement.
“It is a fundamental right that must be enjoyed and exercised by every citizen of our country. It is a right that is guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa which is the supreme law of the land.”
Some businesses have indicated that they will not be open at all on Wednesday.
Oliphant has warned those that will be trading, that according to the law, election day has been declared a public holiday, so employees can choose not to work.
Voting will happen between 7am and 9pm.